Renewable Energy Priority Projects
The U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) are committed to America’s clean energy future. BLM-California is working to diversify the nation’s energy portfolio through the development of wind, solar, geothermal, and transmission siting on BLM-managed public lands within the state. Many of these developments are reviewed and approved jointly with the State of California through a unique partnership among BLM, the California Energy Commission, and the California Public Utilities Commission.
Much progress has been made, with the approval of the first solar projects ever on public lands in October/November 2010. Numerous solar project authorizations followed in 2011 along with the approval of the first wind energy generating project on public lands since 2002. More progress lies ahead as work continues on review of priority projects for 2012, listed below.
Projects listed on this site have begun the environmental review process. To be a 2012 Priority Project, a company must demonstrate to the BLM that the project has progressed far enough to formally start the environmental review and public participation process, as well as have the potential to be cleared for approval by the end of the year. In addition, the projects must be sited in an area that minimizes impacts to the environment. The projects are largely low-to-medium conflict, in accordance with the BLM’s policy guidance on pre-application screening. To view a list of all of the national BLM 2012 priority projects click HERE.
Approved Renewable Energy Projects
Renewable Energy Planning
On top of reviewing individual projects, BLM California is also taking a proactive approach to planning for renewable energy. The West Chocolate Mountains Renewable Energy Evaluation Area in Imperial County is one such effort. The Haiwee Geothermal Leasing Area in Inyo County is another such effort. The BLM is also analyzing the area's suitability for solar, wind, and geothermal energy in an effort to direct renewable energy development to areas with high energy potential and few conflicts. Other ongoing planning efforts include the Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan and the Department of Energy/BLM Solar Energy Development Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement.
Solar 
Geothermal
Wind 
Transmission